Entertainment
Why Comedy Rules Entertainment Biz In PH – Rugged Pastor
The comedy business
has continued to record unprecedented growth in the entertainment industry in Nigeria, particularly in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital as there is hardly any social event in the Garden City without a comedy show that attracts large crowd of fans and other fun seekers, while the comedians smile to the banks at the end of the day.
The year 2013 turned out to be one of the most lucrative year for most of the popular and A-List humour merchants who organised shows or featured in comedy events in the city as they recorded huge successes following the mammoth crowd that turned out for the events, especially during the last Yuletide most of the organisers sold out all their tickets, while those invited to perform at the events were handsomely paid.
One of the popular comedians who participated in almost all the comic events, Mr. Ubi Emmanuel, a.k.a Rugged Pastor who spoke with The Tide Entertainment recently, said “Last year was good for entertainers and show biz personalities particularly those in the comedy industry, because there was hardly any social event without a comedy event.
According to him, “comedy now dominates the entertainment business in Port Harcourt because of the popular acceptance by the public. He noted that comedians are always invited at social events to spice it up including musical shows, so there exist a sort of collaboration between the artistes and the comedians.
He, however, noted that most times people just attend events to relax and laugh with their loved ones without dancing. He stressed that last year comedy shows dominated in the state as there were several comedy events which included: Ay show, crack your Ribs by Julius Agwu, Dan D’Humorous comedy event, Prince Hezekiah and Night of a thousand laughs amongst others.
He noted that comedy has come to stay as a profession to be reckoned with in the entertainment clan, unlike in the past when comedians were seen as court jesters school drop outs and paid peanuts, but today most of them are university graduates, well paid, highly successful and international super stars. So the stone the builders rejected had become the head corner stone.
According to him people now appreciate the fact that it is not easy to make, people laugh and when you laugh, you relax the mind and live long. He contended that comedy requires creativity, God gives talent, but you build it with your capacity and also seek more knowledge for you to actualize your dreams.
The Ikwerre Rivers State born popular A list humour merchant said comedy has brought him to the limelight with various achievements including a brand new Toyota Camery Car which he took delivery of last year, he thanked his fans and other fun seeker who came out to support them. He also thanked the state government for creating an enabling environment that had made the business to thrive.
Popular businessman and socialite, Pascal Okechukwu, aka Cubana Chief Priest, has said that his relationship with singer Davido is beyond money and gossip.
He stated this in a recent interview with BBC Igbo.
“Davido is my friend. He is my in-law; he married Chioma who is from Imo State where I hail from.
“So the relationship I have with Davido is beyond money and gossip,” he said.
DAILY POST reports that Chief Priest disclosed via his Instagram page that his outfit for the wedding of the singer, Davido and his wife, Chioma, in Lagos on Tuesday cost seven million Naira.
The socialite recently appreciated Davido for not “discarding” Chioma.
He stated that the DMW boss has made Imo State proud by choosing to marry from the state.
Nigerian singer Simisola Kosoko, popularly known as Simi, has lent her voice to the ongoing anti-tax hike protests in Kenya.
The Tide’s source reports that Kenyan youths are marching against tax hike in widespread demonstrations tagged ‘RejectFinanceBill2024.’
Five people were shot dead and dozens wounded after police clashed with protesters who stormed the parliament building in Nairobi on Tuesday, according to Amnesty Kenya.
Reacting via her X handle on Tuesday night, Simi declared her support for the demonstrators.
She stated that “it is both powerful and heartbreaking for a people to have to fight and die for freedoms and rights.”
The singer wrote, “I stand with the people of Kenya. It is both powerful and heartbreaking for a people to have to fight and die for freedoms and rights. Godspeed and Strength. [Hash tag] RejectFinanceBill2024.”
In a series of other posts, she wrote: “Wow. When you’ve had enough, the fight is almost inevitable.
“African leaders- have not you done enough?
“I can’t wait for the day Africa is not a weapon fashioned against Africans. All of this amazing Black power and human resource, but the majority are not likely to thrive unless they run.”
Famous Nigerian Afrobeat singer, Davido was spotted among other top artistes at Asake’s ‘Lungu Boy’ tour concert in Atlanta, Georgia.
Asake’s performance at his sold-out show at the 17,000-capacity State Farm Arena in Atlanta began on August 16, 2024, and is set to run for 10 days.
In a trending video on social media, Davido appeared backstage with American rapper Quavo to support Asake during the live performance.
Other musicians in attendance included Nigerian hitmaker Zlatan and American rapper Russ Millions.
The Tide’s source reports that Asake’s ‘Lungu Boy’ tour is set to cover six U.S. cities, where he will headline notable venues including Madison Square Garden in New York, the Toyota Center in Houston, and the State Farm Arena in Atlanta.
Asake’s tour comes just days after the release of his latest hit, ‘Lungu Boy,’ which features several superstars, including Wizkid, British rappers Central Cee and Stormzy, Travis Scott and Brazilian singer Ludmilla.
‘Lungu Boy’ set a new record for the biggest opening week on Spotify Nigeria, garnering 18.9 million streams in its opening week and breaking the previous record of 14.4 million streams held by Davido’s ‘Timeless.’